December 30

Born in Ferrara in 1504, Giraldi wrote poetry, tragedies, and novellas reflecting courtly life. His 'Hecatommithi' (1565) contained stories that influenced English dramatists, including the plot of Othello. Appointed court poet for the Duke of Este, he balanced classical style with engaging vernacular narratives. Giraldi’s theoretical writings on poetry and drama contributed to literary criticism in Italy. He travelled widely, engaging with humanist scholars and promoting vibrant literary salons. He died in 1573, remembered as a key figure in the development of European narrative fiction.

Manuel de Araújo Porto-Alegre (1806–1879), the Baron of Santo Ângelo, was a prominent figure in Brazil's Romantic movement. A gifted poet, he contributed to the development of Brazilian literature with his lyrical and nationalistic works. As a painter, Porto-Alegre produced portraits and landscapes that captured Brazil's vibrant society. He held diplomatic posts in Europe, promoting Brazilian culture abroad and forging artistic connections. His dual legacy as a writer and artist marks him as a versatile pioneer of Brazil's 19th-century arts.

José Rizal (1861–1896) was a multifaceted Filipino intellectual and reformist. He trained as an ophthalmologist in Europe while writing novels that exposed colonial injustices. His works "Noli Me Tángere" and "El Filibusterismo" became catalysts for nationalist movements in the Philippines. Rizal's essays, poems, and journalistic pieces advocated for peaceful reforms under Spanish rule. Executed by the Spanish colonial government, he became a martyr and symbol of Philippine independence.

Born in 1866 in Clamecy, France, Romain Rolland gained fame for his multi-volume novel 'Jean-Christophe,' which examined the life of a German composer. Awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1915, Rolland was celebrated for his deep insight into humanism and culture. He was also an outspoken pacifist during World War I, publishing essays and open letters that called for peace and understanding. Rolland's literary works include biographies of figures such as Michelangelo and Beethoven, reflecting his broad interests in art and music. His commitment to social justice and artistic integrity influenced writers and thinkers across Europe.

Born in 1913 in Adelaide, Rex Ingamells became a leading figure in Australian literature by establishing the Jindyworobak literary movement in 1938. This movement encouraged writers to draw on Aboriginal themes, language, and landscapes to forge an authentic Australian voice. Ingamells' own poetry collections, including 'Gumtops' and 'The Great South Land,' reflect his deep appreciation for the continent's natural environment. Throughout his career, he advocated for cultural nationalism and the recognition of Indigenous heritage. Ingamells' efforts left an enduring mark on Australian poetry and cultural identity.

Richard Rodgers was born in New York City in 1902 and studied music at Columbia University and the Institute of Musical Art. He formed a celebrated partnership with lyricist Lorenz Hart, creating hits such as "My Funny Valentine" and "Blue Moon." In the 1940s, Rodgers teamed with Oscar Hammerstein II to revolutionize American musical theater with shows like Oklahoma! and Carousel. Their collaborations earned Rodgers multiple Tony Awards, Academy Awards, and a Pulitzer Prize. His melodies remain staples of the Great American Songbook and continue to be performed worldwide. Rodgers left an indelible mark on theater and music before his death in 1979.

Yuli Daniel was born in 1925 in Vladivostok and studied linguistics at Moscow State University. He wrote satirical short stories under the pseudonym Nikolai Arzhak, critiquing Soviet society. Daniel's works were published abroad in the samizdat journal Sintaksis in the 1960s. In 1966, he was arrested and sentenced to prison and exile for "anti-Soviet agitation." After his release, Daniel continued writing poetry and travel essays that reflected his dissident views. He is remembered as a pioneering literary voice against censorship in the Soviet Union.

Raghuvir Sahay (1929–1990) was a pioneering figure in post-independence Hindi literature. His poetry explored themes of urban life and social change, combining depth with lyrical elegance. As a critic, he contributed essays that guided literary discourse in prominent journals. Sahay's work championed emerging writers and introduced modernist sensibilities to Hindi poetry. His thoughtful analysis and creative output left a lasting impact on Indian literary culture.

Romeo Muller (1928–1992) began his career as a stage and screen actor before finding greater success as a writer. He penned the screenplay for the 1964 Rankin/Bass stop-motion classic Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, which became a holiday staple. Muller wrote more than a dozen animated specials, including Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town and Frosty the Snowman. His scripts blended heartwarming narratives with memorable characters and musical collaborations. Muller's work helped define the genre of holiday television and remains beloved by audiences of all ages.

Shinichi Hoshi was a pioneering Japanese author whose 'short-short' stories combined whimsical premises with satirical insights. Born in 1926, he published over 1,000 microfiction pieces, earning the nickname 'God of Short Shorts' among fans. His concise narratives often featured clever twists that reflected on human nature and society. Hoshi served as president of the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of Japan, advocating for the genre's growth. His works have been translated into multiple languages and continue to inspire speculative fiction writers worldwide.

Julius J. Epstein was a celebrated American screenwriter and producer whose career spanned over five decades in Hollywood. Born in 1909, he won two Academy Awards for the screenplay of Casablanca (1942), a film now regarded as a classic. Alongside his twin brother Philip, he penned scripts for notable films such as Gentlemen Prefer Blondes and The Man Who Knew Too Much. Epstein’s sharp dialogue and nuanced characters set new benchmarks for cinematic storytelling. He continued to influence the industry as a mentor to emerging screenwriters and producers until his passing.

Mary Wesley was an English author whose literary career blossomed in her seventies with the publication of Jumping the Queue (1983). Born in 1912, she wrote ten novels featuring sharp humor, complex characters, and explorations of family dynamics and social mores. Wesley’s works, including The Camomile Lawn and Harnessing Peacocks, became bestsellers and were adapted for television, earning her international recognition. Her candid writing style and empathetic character studies resonated with readers across generations. Wesley’s late-blooming success remains an inspiration for aspiring writers and advocates the belief that creativity knows no age.